MLPA vs SPY
Global X MLP ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. MLPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLPA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.77% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +22.52% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.10% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.83% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.95% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MLPA vs SPY Performance
Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MLPA returned +23.10% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, MLPA is up 22.52% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, MLPA compounded at +17.83% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +19.95% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -0.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -86.2% for MLPA and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLPA charges 0.77% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $77 vs $9 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLPA currently yields 6.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MLPA and SPY share 1 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MLPA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKE | 0.00% | 0.08% | 0.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MLPA or SPY?
MLPA has an expense ratio of 0.77% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MLPA or SPY?
Over the past year MLPA returned +23.10% vs +20.83% for SPY, so MLPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), MLPA annualized -0.34% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MLPA or SPY?
MLPA has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MLPA -86.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MLPA and SPY?
MLPA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MLPA and SPY?
MLPA and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLPA or SPY?
MLPA yields 6.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MLPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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